Six Steps to Healthy Lilly Pillies
🌱Planting
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball. Position the plant at the same depth it was in the container. Backfill with soil mixed with compost.
Tip: Establishment: Water daily for the first 1–2 weeks, then every 2–3 days for the next 6–10 weeks.
đź’§Watering
Deep, infrequent watering encourages strong roots. After establishment, most lilly pillies need watering 1–2 times per week in dry periods.
Tip: Heatwaves: Increase watering frequency. Apply mulch to retain moisture. Check your local council / local water restrictions.
🌿Fertilising
Apply a balanced slow-release fertiliser in spring and early autumn. Native plant fertilisers are suitable.
Tip: Avoid over-fertilising, which can promote soft psyllid-prone growth. Follow product instructions.
✂️Pruning
For hedges, prune lightly 2–3 times per year. The main prune is after flowering in spring. Light, frequent trims work better than heavy cuts.
Tip: Frost warning: Avoid heavy pruning in late autumn in frost-prone areas; new growth may be damaged.
🔍Pests
The most common pest is psyllid, which causes bubbly bumps on new leaves. Monitor in spring and summer, remove affected growth promptly.
Tip: Prevention: Good airflow, appropriate fertilising, and encouraging beneficial insects help reduce problems.
🌍Soil & Drainage
Lilly pillies prefer well-drained soil rich in organic matter. They tolerate a range of soils but struggle in waterlogged conditions.
Tip: Clay soils: Improve with gypsum and compost. Consider raised beds or mounds if drainage is poor.
Seasonal Care Calendar
Spring (Sept–Nov)
- Main pruning after flowering
- Apply slow-release fertiliser
- Monitor for psyllid on new growth
- Mulch to retain moisture
Summer (Dec–Feb)
- Water deeply during heatwaves
- Light trims to maintain hedge shape
- Check for pests and disease
Autumn (Mar–May)
- Reduce watering as temperatures cool
- Gentle tidy-up pruning only
- Avoid heavy fertilising
Winter (Jun–Aug)
- Minimal watering (rainfall usually sufficient)
- Structural pruning if needed
- Protect young plants from frost
Priority key: High | Medium | Low
Establishment Timeline
Water daily. Check soil moisture — the root ball should not dry out.
Water every 2–3 days. Reduce frequency if rainfall is sufficient.
Water twice weekly. Monitor for signs of stress (wilting, yellowing).
Water as needed based on conditions. Established plants are more drought-tolerant but benefit from supplementary watering in dry periods.
Hedge Spacing Cheat Sheet
Space plants according to your target hedge height. Closer spacing fills in faster.
| Target Hedge Height | Recommended Spacing |
|---|---|
| Low hedge (under 1m) | 0.5–0.8m apart |
| Medium hedge (1–2m) | 0.8–1.2m apart |
| Tall hedge (2–4m) | 1–1.5m apart |
| Screen (4m+) | 1.5–2m apart |
Tip: For faster fill, plant at the closer end of the range. Check your variety's expected mature width.
Pruning Calendar
Light, frequent pruning keeps hedges dense and tidy. Avoid heavy pruning in late autumn.
| Season | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Spring (Sept–Nov) | Main prune after flowering; shape new growth |
| Summer (Dec–Feb) | Light trim to maintain shape; watch for psyllid |
| Autumn (Mar–May) | Gentle tidy only; avoid hard cuts |
| Winter (Jun–Aug) | Minimal pruning; structural cuts if needed |
Tip: In frost-prone areas, delay heavy pruning until frost risk has passed.